Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Iowa and National Poll Question Suggestions

Iowa was the winner of our vote on where to poll this week so we'll do that in addition to our national poll. Obviously we'll ask about the Republican primary on both polls and test Obama against the regulars. Beyond those things what would you like to see us delve into? Appreciate the question suggestions as always.

In addition to the all-hands poll, a three-way test of Romney/Perry/Bachmann. The rest of them are either long past their fifteen minutes of fame (like Herman Cain or Rick Santorum) or have a crackpot cult following but no real chance of victory (Ron Paul).

For the national poll, preferences for the deficit committee: "Would you rather: see service cuts only, see tax increases only, see mostly cuts but some tax increases, see mostly tax increases but some cuts, or an even mix?"

Also, more relevant: "Would you rather see Washington concentrate on the deficit and not take action on jobs, or see Washington concentrate on creating jobs and let the deficit grow?"

Seeing that one major Republican Presidential contender (Pawlenty) has already dropped out, it's possible that others may follow soon. Another "second choice" question would probably be useful at this point. Perhaps even a "third choice" question if you don't have too many other questions already.

I'm not sure of the wording, but basically try to find out what the most important quality of a candidate is and then ask those voters who they support. add or subtract any you wish, if this question is used.

For Iowa testing Steve King and Bruce Braley's favorables would be good: King because he's so controversial and Braley because he's a likely statewide candidate in the future.

Another Iowa question is asking them how important it is that they remain the first primary/ caucus. With the primary calender likely to change it'll be good to see how much Iowans care about keeping the top spot.

National - Top 10 swing states Perry v. Obama compared to Romney v. Obama. You keep spelling out in your state polls Romney is the most electable, but this would be create a compelling headline for a poll.

For the national poll obviously poll the latest against Obama versus the GOP and get Perry especially and thoughts on him. Also national congressional generic and how about a national gay marriage legal or illegal poll like in the states of late? Just my thoughts.

Someone else mentioned Gronstal and I agree a poll on his popularity considering his intransigence on gay marriage would be interesting. Also of interest would be a question about obama's job performance on economic issues. Gallup released some shocker numbers there today and it would be interesting to see what your take on that was.

I think an interesting question would be "Would you support or oppose a deficit-reduction deal that included a cuts-to-revenue ratio of $10 in cuts for every $1 in higher tax revenue?" or something of that nature, just to see how out of touch the Republican presidential candidates are with the American people (and I imagine the cross-tabs would be fascinating).

Another question that might be interesting for the national poll would be "Who of the following do you believe is the most committed to creating jobs?" with the options of President Obama, Republicans in Congress or Democrats in Congress.

Iowa poll:

For Iowa, there's a ton going on on the presidential side of things of course, but it would be nice to see an update regarding public opinion on same-sex marriage, especially with the two separate questions with and without civil unions as an option.

Did you vote at Ames? Does a candidate winning Ames make it more likely, less likely, or no difference, for you to vote for them. Same if a candidate skips Ames. Same if a candidate has indicated they won't campaign aggressively in Iowa.

My ideal poll:Identify the top 10 swing states and poll Obama v. Romney, Perry, Rubio, Jeb Bush, ChristieANDHillary v. the same group. My theory is Hillary is the stronger Dem candidate in those states and, if true, Hillary should enter as a "friendly" primary challenger without mudslinging (or just let her have nomination--he looks tired and defeated).

Dig deep into the relative support for Romney versus Perry with Independent voters in Iowa. Do head-to-head polls with Obama versus Romney and Obama versus Perry. The results of such a poll right now could impact the 2012 Iowa GOP caucuses tremendously. Ask Democrats and Independents about thier willingness to support Hillary Clinton for president in 2016. This would neutralize automatic opposition to her at this point in time--especially among Obama supporters. On the other hand, it might also reveal an underlying "buyers' remorse" among the people that MADE Obama's candidacy in 2008.